Transitional Living Services (TLS)

Transitional Living Services, programs, and benefits help foster care youth and young adults make the transition to adulthood smoother and help them identify and achieve long-term education, career, and life goals. Transitional Living Services begin at age 14 and may continue until age 23.

Texas Youth Connection

The Texas Youth Connection is a youth friendly website designed with the advice from youth and young adults. TexasYouthConnection.org is a source of important information and general tips for youth who are transitioning out of foster care or who are already out on their own. This website is also the site where NYTD surveys are posted.

Texas Youth Connection on Facebook

Permanency Planning for Older Youth

The Texas Foster Care Handbook helps children and youth in foster care to better understand how the foster care system works and to address many of the questions and concerns they have regarding foster care.

A youth driven transition plan is developed with all youth ages 16 and older and identifies services for each youth to accomplish goals and to assist them in transitioning from foster care.

Aging-out seminars allow youth ages 15 ½ to 18 to meet in interactive groups to learn more about DFPS Transitional Living Services, programs, benefits, community resources, and other important life skills topics.

PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) helps older youth in foster care prepare leave DFPS care and support and live as adults. Eligible youth up to age 21 receive services and benefits that help them become self-sufficient and productive adults. PAL services include life skills assessments, life skills trainings, a transitional living allowance, aftercare room and board, and case management services. PAL regional staff can help you with these services.

Youth and young adults in the PAL program are referred by PAL staff, CPS staff, and providers to local Workforce Solutions offices for help with the following:

Youth who are turning age 16 or who are transitioning to adulthood at 18 need to have documents to help them with daily activities like finding a job, leasing an apartment, opening a bank account, setting up utility services, getting a driver’s license, and accessing other resources.

Information about College Benefits

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program serves eligible youth or young adults, ages 16 up to age 23 and are enrolled in a college, university or a vocational or technical program. Eligible youth may receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance per academic year to help pay for basic living expenses while attending school.